Shenako: Hiking, Houses and Monastery History

Shenako combines hiking plans with views of traditional houses and cultural connections. A multi-day hike passes through Shenako; another route to Love Fortress follows the road through the village. When planning your trip, the time frame, route and how to get there are therefore separate considerations. The details below will help you organize these points before planning your accommodation and stay.

Houses, Landscape and Culture

Shenako is known for its traditional houses and is situated among forests, hay meadows and pastures. The Church of St. George is associated with the village. Shenako Monastery dates back to the 19th century and is located in the Chaghma Valley. In January 2020, Publika described the traditional Boslob practice in Shenako as well preserved. These features offer different starting points for planning: the houses and landscape reflect the character of the village, while the church, monastery and Boslob bring together its cultural connections. This can help you decide whether to focus more of your time on the hiking route or on the village’s cultural heritage.

Understanding the Hikes and Routes

A hike classified as easy passes through Omalo, Shenako, Ageurta, Diklo and Bichekhi. It is 16 kilometers long and takes three days; the season is June to September. The distance, duration and season provide different planning points: they show that the route is a multi-day hike, and the stated period helps with seasonal planning. Another route, to Love Fortress, starts at the visitor center in Omalo and follows the road through Shenako. The routes have different practical features to help you find your way: the first has a stated distance, duration and difficulty rating, while the second has a starting point and road route. Conditions on the route to Love Fortress can vary by season; check them before setting out.

Getting There and Practical Planning in Tusheti

Shenako Church can be reached in a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Since requirements may vary depending on road conditions, check the current situation before setting out. In Tusheti as a whole, there are no gas stations, pharmacies, banks, ATMs or currency exchange offices. Plan to bring fuel, medication and cash before traveling to the region. Pork is considered taboo in Tusheti; visitors are advised not to bring it.

Accommodation and Local Food

Guesthouse Shenako offers four rooms and has a maximum capacity of ten people. The number of rooms and the maximum capacity provide different planning details: there are four rooms and space for up to ten people in total. Availability and capacity may change; check both before booking.

In January 2020, Publika reported that Shenako residents grew potatoes and barley on nearby plots. Agricultural production may vary by season. In the same month, Publika also reported on a guesthouse in Shenako where the host family treated visitors to home-grown vegetables and the family’s dairy products. Local hospitality and food offerings may change; check directly with your accommodation to find out what is currently offered.

Discover more destinations: Sasadilo, Akhalsopeli, Ujarma, Omalo, Lagodekhi, Gurjaani, Kachreti, Dartlo.

Back to the regional travel overview: Kakheti.